Some men are drawn to oceans, they cannot breathe unless the air is scented with a salty mist. Others are drawn to land that is flat, and the air is sullen and is leaden as August. My people were drawn to mountains- Earl Hamner Jr.

I planted 2 butterfly bushes last season and I don't believe I deadheaded mine. Maybe someone with more knowledge can answer your question, barddas. Is your butterfly bush blooming yet? Mine are a little behind. We had a couple hard frost in May and it sit everything back. Some of my roses are blooming and Clemmy (clematis) is really putting on a show this year. She is just showing off with all her beautiful purple blooms this year. I'm so proud of her.

Hi Everyone..I can only tell you that my butterfly bushes THRIVE on being pruned..I put the flowers in arrangments all the time. They seem to just bloom and bloom the more you remove!SO deadhead away! and use them as cut flowers...they are lovley !

In Service to the Dream,Paula

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Proud member of Clan Mac Roni , CEO of The KDC

The curve is mightier than the sword ...

"He's twitching, because ,mah axe is embedded in his nervious system " !LOTR

Thank you both for the Advice!!!! Yes, Maggie mine is blooming. Beautiful deep purple blooms, with a very sweet sent. Very strong, if *I* can smell it. Paula, it's nice to 'see' you back!! I have missed ya!!!!! So, I guess I will be pruning when I get home!!!!!!

Gardening....Well, green thumbs tend to run in my family so I've decided to grow some grapes, raspberries, and planning on adding currants as well as strawberries to the lot. I've got the usual backyard veggie garden that, this year, has more stuff for my iguana than for my kitchen. Future plans now include a 16x20 deck with a water feature and surrounded by raised beds for a some flowers and creeping style plants.

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Lay you down in green meadows amongst the heather for it is there the music calls to your soul and beckons you home.

Currently I am growing sweet corn ( Which the squirrls are ravaging!!!!!) Brandywine heirloom tomatos, Tabasco peppers, Thai dragon peppers, Roma ( Itallian) Green beans, And a variety of red, yellow, and gold bell peppers. I have a few white pumpkin vines too. But it is in an area that will become a water feature...... eventually..... You still willing, Paula????

I never have luck with peppers or things like pumpkins and watermelons. Anything that has moisture content such as those usually gets ravaged by the fire ants. I've tried in vain to find anything that will permanently deter these dreadful critters but they seem to grow immune after a time to all my efforts. This year, I am giving a shot at the helpful insects category and have enlisted ladybugs and preying mantis' as well as a few others. Maybe this will prove the way to go and next year I can expand my gardening efforts.

That sounds like a good idea. I know many gardening catalogs sell helpful insects for the garden.

This is my second summer in my house. The soil is really nice. But i think it will take a few more years to get my garden mapped out the way I want it.

I guess I need to build a Scarecrow to deter the squirrels. There is only 1/3 left of what I planted. I don't plant a lot of it, just enough for m'wife and I, and some for friends and family. I'm probably one of the few people that can get it to grow in the city..LOL!